Sigourney Weaver to star in USA Network political drama

USA Network has landed feature film star Sigourney Weaver to headline its new drama series Political Animals.

The Aliens and Avatar actress stars in the Beltway-based drama playing a divorced former First Lady who becomes Secretary of State. She throws herself into the job after recovering from the dissolution of her marriage and losing the presidential nomination. It’s Weavers first regular TV series role.

USA has ordered six episodes of the project from producers Greg Berlanti (Brothers & Sisters) and Laurence Mark (Jerry Maguire). James Wolk (Lonestar) plays Weaver’s son, an ambitious politico who is also her chief of staff. Brittany Ishibashi (Parenthood) has also been cast as her son’s fiancée. The series launches this summer.